Which statement most accurately describes a misdemeanor?

Which statement most accurately describes a misdemeanor?

• A. A crime more serious than a felony
• B. A crime less serious than a felony with punishment not more than a year
• C. A crime punished only by fines
• D. A crime less serious than a felony where punishment is fine or jail for not more than a year

Answer: (D)

A misdemeanor is a crime less serious than a felony, with penalties that are typically limited to a short jail stay (up to one year) and/or a fine. The best statement captures both ways a misdemeanor can be punished: a fine or jail time, not exceeding one year. This distinguishes misdemeanors from felonies (which are more serious and carry longer sentences) and from offenses punishable only by fines or by more than a year in prison. The other options either misstate the relative seriousness or the range of penalties, or omit the possibility of fines.

A misdemeanor is a crime less serious than a felony, with penalties that are typically limited to a short jail stay (up to one year) and/or a fine. The best statement captures both ways a misdemeanor can be punished: a fine or jail time, not exceeding one year. This distinguishes misdemeanors from felonies (which are more serious and carry longer sentences) and from offenses punishable only by fines or by more than a year in prison. The other options either misstate the relative seriousness or the range of penalties, or omit the possibility of fines.